Funded Childcare Hours
At Watoto Pre-School, we’re proud to be registered with Sheffield City Council to offer the government’s funded early learning and childcare schemes.
These schemes give eligible children up to 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare each week, helping your little one learn, grow, and thrive—while making life a little easier for busy families—until they start school.
Need a few extra hours? No problem—these can be added at our standard rates.
Working Families Entitlement
Up to 30 hours for eligible working families with a child aged 9 months - 4 years old.
The amount of free childcare you can get depends on:
• your child’s age and circumstances
• whether you’re working (employed, self-employed, or a director)
• your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
• your immigration status
You need to apply the term before you want to take up a place. For example, if you want to take up a place for your child from September, you need to apply during the summer term (1 April-31 August)
For families using the 30-hour funding, we offer a stretched option to make things easier for you. Your child can enjoy 25 hours per week across 45 weeks, instead of 30 hours over 38 weeks—giving you more flexibility throughout the year!
Important! To remain eligible for the 30-hour scheme, parents must reconfirm their eligibility with HMRC every 3 months or whenever prompted.
Funded Early Learning for two year olds
Children in families with a low income or in receipt of certain benefits are entitled to 15 funded hours of childcare or early years education
The amount of free childcare you can get depends on:
• The funded hours are up to 570 hours a year.
• This is 15 hours over 38 weeks or fewer hours per week for more weeks in the year.
Universal Offer for 3 and 4 year olds
All children in England are entitled to 50 hours of funded early education or childcare per year from the term after their 3rd birthday until they start school—regardless of family circumstances
This is 15 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year.
Some families may be able to get an extra 15 hours (making 30 hours a week) through the Working Families Entitlement scheme.
Important Information:
Please note that government funding does not cover all childcare costs. Some important expenses like meals, nappies, wipes, sun cream, extra hours, and excursions are not included. Even if you receive funding, you'll need to pay for these items yourself.